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Lucas Engineering CS-9

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The CS-9 is Lucas Engineering’s 3rd large-diaphragm microphone. Like the CS-1 and CS-4, it is a tube condenser mic that draws inspiration from a landmark studio microphone — in this case, the Neumann M-49. Yet, keeping to Lucas’ philosophy of never cloning an existing design, the CS-9 incorporates some unique components and approaches.

The CS-9 uses an M7 capsule, like the Lucas CS-4. These capsules are sourced from Sigfried Thiersch. The M7 is a 32mm (O.D.) capsule, handmade in Germany to the original Neumann specifications. Lucas is using the “blue” M7 from Thiersch, made with PVC diaphragms.

The CS-9 uses the same Mullard tube as the CS-1. Lucas’ name for this is LMG-95-ES; it is a dual triode, originally manufactured in limited quantities for high-grade audio equipment, according to Terry Manning.

The power supply was designed by and is built by AMI. It contains two XLR3M outputs, one for the front diaphragm and one for the rear. Both can be made active, and recorded simultaneously to two tracks, enabling mix-time setting of polar pattern — anything from Omni, through infinite variations of subcardioid to Cardioid, through infinite variations of supercardioid to Figure-8. (For more information about dual-output microphones like this, see the multitrack microphone listing.)

The CS-9 was officially announced at the AES show in New York in late 2013.